Jack Watson and Dick Painter also sent this letter to “one” – written in February 1938.
Here is the full letter, both pages joined:
Belle Fourche, South Dakota At D. L. Owen’s Home.
Dear One;
I went to see Doctor Davis yesterday afternoon. He said I could call your Daddy to come down Thursday, that you’d be here at [crossed out] the week.
Your Aunt Helen sent you a pair of adorable shoes which she made herself. White felt embroidered in blue. Cunning as can be. Little masterpieces in themselves.
Aunt Helen made some smart little jackets, gertrudes and wrappers for you, too. When we take you home, she is coming to visit us there so she can become acquainted with you and help me care for you at first.
Your Grandma Bessie has made some kimonos for you such as I and your Aunties and Uncles wore when we were babies. She has hand fringed a white woolen shawl, knit a beautiful large, heather one and given you a white knit cape. Now she is finishing a pair of white woolen blankets for you.
Your Uncle Tip is waiting anxiously to hear all about you. You’ll be as big, person when he sees you next June. He intends to bring home a bride, then you’ll have an Aunt Ruth Kelly Melby.
Everyone is making my visit here an enjoyable one. I’ve been to five shows: “The Life of Emil Zola” with Paul Muni, “Artists and Models” with Jack Benny, “Ali Baba Goes to Town” with Eddie Cantor, “You’re Only Young Once” with Lewis Stone and “Rosalie” with Eleanor Powell and Nelson Eddy. Of them all, I’ve enjoyed “Ali Baba Goes to Town” the most.
Love for this morning, Marion.
[pencil sketch of the little embroidered shoes]
February 9, 1938 At John Burns Memorial Hospital — Belle Fourche.
Dear Robert,
These little shoes are placed on the chest of drawers in “our” room here. They bring as much comment as any bouquet.
Mother.
